Audio by album prison_pipeline

Reggae Bob, An old friend to Prison Pipeline, joins Ruth for this episode to discuss a new ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in July, 2008. California prisons must be integrated after years of racial segregation. We at Prison Pipeline will keep an eye on this new ruling.

Ruth interviews David Rogers, who is the president of Partnerships for Safety and Justice. They discuss Kevin Mannix's ballot measure that would require mandatory minimum sentences for multitude of crimes, many of which are non violent.

Ruth Kovacs will have as her guest Shaun Carnahan--a Supporter of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Carnahan has been in touch with Pam Africa and ICFFMAJ in Philadelphia and will be able to give us an update on the status of Mumia's plight. The news is not good. We'll want to hear what we can do to support the upcoming campaign to Free Mumia. We need to put a lot of energy into outreach.

Jenka Soderberg - KBOO's News and Public Affairs director joins Ruth to share some poetry that was written by an incarcerated friend. Ruth and Jenka are also visited on the phone with Rashad Shabazg to discuss the Tenth annual Critical Resistance event to be held in CA later this month.

Ruth reminds Prison Pipeline listeners of the importance of voting. Mumia spoke about the November election and his thoughts on the candidates, then we heard from Goldie, an Obama supporter who has been registering folks now--to beat the October 14 deadline for registration, and finally Molly called to remind folks that 18 year olds, ex-felons, and homeless folks are all eligble to vote. We also featured original music by David Strechert about prison life.

Prison Pipeline presented an interview between host, Ruth Kovacs and telephone guest, Hans Bennett--a Philadelphia-based independent journalist and co-founder of Journalists for Mumia. They reviewed updated information on pending appeals for Mumia Abu-Jamall and current recent stories about his case.

Ruth shares a take of an interview she had with Lugman Abdullah at CR10. Abdullah is the National STOPMAX Campaign Coordinator. He shares his story about being locked up and then exonerated aver serving nine years on death row. Ruth also talks about the documentary, After Innocence.

Ruth Kovacs presented another report from CR10 - the gathering of more than 3000 folks who support strategy to abolish the Prison Industrial Complex. She attended a workshop concerning alternatives to detention/incarceration. We also heard an update on Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Prison Pipeline presents another CR10 report. The subject - Ban the Box - Portland's own Patty Katz from Partnerships for Safety and Justice speaks a the workshop in California and tells her story of crime, incarceration and now her crusade with PS&J to "Ban the Box" from employment applications that require telling "YES" convicted of a felon.

Suzanne Ross of the New York City Free Mumia organization provided updates on Mumia’s case. The prosecution is trying to reinstate the death penalty and appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. December 9 is the anniversary of the death of Officer Faulkner so demonstrations and rallies will take place all over the world. Saturday Dec. 6, there will be events in Philadelphia and New York City, and Monday, December 9, Portland will gather at the PSU Multicultural Center, for a rally.

Patrick O’Connor, author of “The Framing of Mumia”, talked about his book and shared information that has not been presented before the publication of his book. He described part of the injustice of the trial, the lies about a so-called confession—which did not exist, and the bias of Judge Sabo. After his in depth study of Mumia’s case, O’Connor seemed convinced that Mumia will never be executed and that there is still a possibility of a new trial.

Watch for Portland’s event supporting Freedom for Mumia, December 9, 2008, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at Portland State University – Cultural Center!

Guest, Shaun Carnahan and Ruth Kovacs talk about December 9 when KBOO co-sponsors a Strugglebration event for Mumia Abu-Jamal. Folks will gather at the Cultural Center of Portland State University, from 6 to 9 pm, Tuesday, December 9. There will be music, speakers and films. Portland has not forgotten Mumia.

Ruth was joined Thai. He’s been out of prison for a few years and they talked about the problems of trying to get a life again. Fortunately he has a few friends that help him, but finding employment has been a struggle. Thai shared his insights about what it is like to be an ex-con.

Our guest was released just two weeks ago. Ruth Kovacs and Matt talk about the joys of being released, the dinner his mom fixed, and the welcome from his girl, family and friends. Matt also talks abut why he feels sure that he will not be returning to prison. His own decision as well as help from Phoenix Rising Transitions have helped him make a plan to stay on a path that will avoid recidivism.

The sound track for "Locked Up - Locked Out" tells about the California organization, All Of Us Or None. This national organizing movement, started by formerly incarcerated people whose goal is to build political power in the communities most affected by mass incarceration and the growth of the Prison Industrial Complex is dedicated and determined to help turn the tide of oppression, violence and pain in our communities to be a part of the solution to the problems that cause our people to populate the prison system in disproportionate numbers.

One of the producer/directors of the award winning film, “Cruel and Unusual”, Janet Baus gave Prison Pipeline a telephone interview. We discussed the problems that transgender prisoners must face. The conversation between Janet, Rebecca (our KBOO engineer) and Ruth (PP Host) as they shared information and insights about this issue was candid and informative.

Ruth Kovacs and Rebecca Nay talked about the work of advocates for prison reform. Rebecca, co-host of Gender Blender (usually the third Tuesday of the month from 6:00 to 7:00 pm) asked Ruth to define her mission and to tell what meeting with the prisoners has taught her this year. They shared examples that show people CAN change and the re-entry programs DO make a difference for those who want to come out of incarceration as better folks than they were during their criminal days.

To get us in the mood we heard Mumia speak, a cheer by Jenka, a song by David Strechert and comments by Ruth and Rebecca about the entertainers and speakers who will take part in the night of celebration and struggle.

The Mumia Strugglebration event on Friday 13 featured Pam Africa and Ramona Africa. This brought the subject of Political Prisoners to our attention. We gave an overview of the more than 100 political prisoners in the U.S.

We also announced the good news that Mumia’s book “Jailhouse Lawyer” will soon be available. Also a recently released film about Lynne Stewart will premiere in New York this month. More about these two items will be available on future Prison Pipeline programs.

Judges in Pennsylvania—caught in corruption. Amy Goodman presented a segment giving us the details. As we listen, many questions come to mind; which Ruth highlights in the last few minutes. If you’d like us to do a Prison Pipeline program that deals with one of those questions, let us know.

Another segment from Democracy Now! March 3, 2009, Amy’s guests brought attention to a Census taking device that should concern us all. Districts in many states count the prisoners of the local penitentiary in their census and thus become eligible for the same budget and political benefits as a district that does not have a prison. In some cases the prison population is as much as 88 per cent of the Census count.

During a visit with the sister of a prisoner who has been in lockdown almost four years, we get an update about how things are going. Debbie shares the ongoing task of keeping in touch with her brother.

A reminder! The deadline for entering Tattoo Art to Shot Caller Press is May 31.

Patrick Ryan, one of the organizers of Friends of Mumia of Portland, gave Ruth an update of today’s (04/06/09) U.S. Supreme Court ruling to let Mumia Abu-Jamal’s conviction stand. Also discussed were plans for Portland action, Saturday April 11th, at 10:00 am at Pioneer Square to protest this devastating ruling. For more information call 503/515-9540. Come join us as we stand up to be counted for Justice. Mumia needs your support and Portland supporters need to know that we are not alone.

Ras Danny, KBOO Programmer of Higher Reasoning Reggae Time joined Ruth in the studio to talk about what "change" really means for those in lockdown and how much better his life is after he decided to change and stay out of prison forever.

The Killer Bread Gang were Prison Pipeline guests. They talked about life in and out of prison, and played some music. Dave, the baker of Dave’s Killer Bread talked about his life and the bread business. Then Dave played lead guitar, while Ladd sang his original song “DNA”. Pete, another employee at the bakery who was released 45 days ago joined us as we talked about a lot of Prison Pipeline stuff. Don’t miss this show!

Aba Gayle was Ruth's guest. She told the story of Maurice Bickham, an African American, born in 1917, served 38 years and is now an ordained minister. He was from the era of Jim Crow laws, convicted of shooting two white law men, had his execution date set seven times, but was eventually released in 1996. Aba Gayle reminisced about watching the day Barack Obama took office. His mother had been a slave.You can search the web for more about Aba Gayle and her work with prisoners.

A Prison Pipeline Special! We looked at the Prison Volunteers of Oregon—we heard some of them speak, we heard messages from prisoners who appreciate the volunteers, and Ruth told about the process of becoming an official ID Badge holding volunteer. If you are thinking about being a guest or volunteer at one of the prisons, this program will help you understand why 2000 of us do this work. Also, you’ll hear why we feel that we are privileged to be a part of the Volunteer Program.

The next Prison Pipeline Special will concern Prisoners Giving to those on the outside. If you know about a project or fundraiser done by prisoners that made a contribution to an individual or organization in need, please let us know.

A group of guests from Bridges to Change told their stories. All of the mentors and administrators from this organization are ex-felons. The director - Chuck, the program director – Doug, and two clients – John an Pete joined Ruth in a discussion about the value of a mentor program for folks when released. Assistance in housing, job hunting and connecting with the family and community can make a significant difference as folks begin new lives in the community.

A good discussion about Oxford House was provided by Jimmy Williams, Field Services Supervisor of Oregon Recovery Homes. Outreach Coordinators Ed and Cori, and the Program Manager, Wayne Kline also participated. For more information:call 503/413-9233 to talk to Jimmy or send him an email: jimmyw@rap-nw.org. Friends, family and loved ones as well as folks soon to be released can write to the Recovery Association Project, 18438 SE Pine St., Portland, OR 97233 – Attention Jimmy Williams or Wayne Kline or search 222.rap-nw.org.

Bre Groom from The Portland Partners Re-Entry Initiative with SE Works, brought Kelly, one of the volunteer mentors and Larry, a recently released friend who has participated in the PPRI Mentor Program. Listen to the active discussion that Ruth and these folks had about the PPRI mentor program.

Our guest was Adam Arms, attorney with the firm McKanna, Bishop, Joffee & Arms. Adam told us about his work with prisoners. We also discussed again the importance of contact with folks on the outside for prisoners.

Next week we’ll have a telephone interview with Pam Africa who will update us on Mumia and more.

Six mentors from Bridges to Change focused their discussion on released prisoners who had been addicted to alcohol and/or drugs and now had to meet the challenge of fitting back into society. They all had been incarcerated at one time or another, and recovered from addiction. Several had families—they all wanted a better life and to help others avoid recidivisim.

It’s Labor Day, so we talked about prison labor. Tatiana, our guest helped Ruth walk through some of the basic information about prison labor. Ruth also read from essays about working in prison written by folks at Oregon State Prison.
27:09 minutes (24.87 MB)